Apparatus And Methods For Transfemoral Delivery Of Prosthetic Mitral Valve

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the transfemoral delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inverting an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve when in a biased expanded configuration. After inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The delivery sheath is inserted into a femoral vein and moved through the femoral vein and a septum of a heart until a distal end of the delivery sheath is disposed in the left atrium of the heart. The prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame reverts and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. The prosthetic mitral valve is then positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/217,376, filed Jul. 22, 2016, which is continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2015/014572, filed Feb. 5, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/935,899, entitled “Transfemoral Delivery of Prosthetic Mitral Valve,” filed Feb. 5, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/100,548, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Transfemoral Delivery of Prosthetic Mitral Valve,” filed Jan. 7, 2015, each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments are described herein that relate to devices and methods for use in the transfemoral delivery and deployment of prosthetic valves, and particularly to devices and methods for delivering expandable prosthetic mitral valves.

Prosthetic heart valves can pose particular challenges for delivery and deployment within a heart. Valvular heart disease, and specifically, aortic and mitral valve disease is a significant health issue in the United States (US); annually approximately 90,000 valve replacements are conducted in the US. Traditional valve replacement surgery involving the orthotopic replacement of a heart valve is considered an “open heart” surgical procedure. Briefly, the procedure necessitates surgical opening of the thorax, the initiation of extra-corporeal circulation with a heart-lung machine, stopping and opening the heart, excision and replacement of the diseased valve, and re-starting of the heart. While valve replacement surgery typically carries a 1-4% mortality risk in otherwise healthy persons, a significantly higher morbidity is associated to the procedure largely due to the necessity for extra-corporeal circulation. Further, open heart surgery is often poorly tolerated in elderly patients. Thus elimination of the extra-corporeal component of the procedure could result in reduction in morbidities and cost of valve replacement therapies could be significantly reduced.

While replacement of the aortic valve in a transcatheter manner is the subject of intense investigation, lesser attention has been focused on the mitral valve. This is in part reflective of the greater level of complexity associated to the native mitral valve apparatus, and thus, a greater level of difficulty with regards to inserting and anchoring the replacement prosthesis. A need exists for delivery devices and methods for transcatheter mitral valve replacements.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the transfemoral delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inverting an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve when in a biased expanded configuration. The prosthetic mitral valve is formed with a shape-memory material. After inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The delivery sheath is inserted into a femoral vein of a patient and moved through the femoral vein and a septum of a heart of the patient until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath is disposed in the left atrium of the heart. The prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame reverts and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. The prosthetic mitral valve is then positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 are each a cross-sectional illustration of a heart with devices used during various stages in a procedure to transfemorally deliver and deploy a prosthetic mitral valve.

FIGS. 7-9 are front, bottom, and top views of a prosthetic heart valve according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an opened and flattened view of the inner frame of the prosthetic heart valve of FIGS. 7-9, in an unexpanded configuration.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are side and bottom views, respectively, of the inner frame of FIG. 10 in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 13 is an opened and flattened view of the outer frame of the valve of FIGS. 7-9, in an unexpanded configuration.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are side and top views, respectively, of the outer frame of FIG. 13 in an expanded configuration.

FIGS. 16-18 are side, front, and top views of an assembly of the inner frame of FIGS. 10-12 and the outer frame of FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the assembly of the inner frame of FIGS. 10-12 and the outer frame of FIGS. 13-15 shown in a biased expanded configuration.

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 19 with the outer frame shown inverted.

FIG. 21 is side view of the assembly of FIG. 20 shown in a collapsed configuration within a lumen of a delivery sheath.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 21 shown in a first partially deployed configuration.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 21 shown in a second partially deployed configuration.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 21 shown in a third partially deployed configuration in which the inverted outer frame is substantially deployed outside of the delivery sheath.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 21 shown in a fourth partially deployed configuration in which the outer frame has reverted and assumed a biased expanded configuration.

FIG. 26 is a side view illustrating a portion of a tether coupled to a portion of a valve leader member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a prosthetic mitral valve in a collapsed configuration within a lumen of a portion of a delivery sheath and a balloon dilator device coupled to the delivery sheath.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional illustration of a heart with the delivery sheath and balloon dilator device of FIG. 27 at a stage of a procedure to deliver and deploy the prosthetic mitral valve disposed within the delivery sheath.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional illustration of a heart with a portion of a delivery sheath shown after deploying a prosthetic mitral valve with the assistance of a wire assist structure, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the wire assist structure of FIG. 29 coupled to a portion of a prosthetic mitral valve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an assist member coupled to a portion of a prosthetic mitral valve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method of delivering a prosthetic mitral valve via a femoral vein, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a portion of an epicardial pad device, according to an embodiment, and shown in a collapsed configuration within a delivery sheath.

FIG. 34 is a side perspective view of the epicardial pad device of FIG. 33 shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of a portion of a heart illustrating purse-string sutures at an apex of the heart prior to securing an epicardial pad device thereto.

FIG. 36 is a side perspective view of the epicardial pad device of FIG. 33 shown in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a heart illustrating with the epicardial pad device of FIG. 33 secured thereto.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged side perspective view and FIG. 39 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion A in FIG. 37 illustrating an integrated locking mechanism.

FIG. 40 is a side view of an epicardial pad device, according to another embodiment, and shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 41 is a side perspective view of the epicardial pad device of FIG. 40 shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the epicardial device of FIG. 40 shown in the expanded configuration and being deployed near an apex of a heart.

FIG. 43 is a side view of an epicardial pad device, according to another embodiment, and shown in an expanded configuration being deployed near a heart.

FIG. 44 is a side view of the epicardial pad device of FIG. 43 shown in a collapsed configuration and deployed on the apex of the heart.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are each a side view of an epicardial pad device, according to another embodiment, and shown being deployed on an apex of a heart.

FIG. 47 is a bottom view of a heart with the epicardial pad of FIGS. 45 and 46 secured to the apex of the heart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the transfemoral delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve into a heart. As described herein, in some embodiments, a method includes inverting an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve when in a biased expanded configuration. The prosthetic mitral valve is formed with a shape-memory material. After inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The delivery sheath is inserted into a femoral vein of a patient and moved through the femoral vein and a septum of a heart of the patient until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath is disposed in the left atrium of the heart. The prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame reverts and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. The prosthetic mitral valve is then positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a method of delivering a prosthetic mitral valve 200 (shown in FIGS. 3-6) to a left atrium LA of a heart H via introduction through a femoral vein. As shown in FIG. 1, a procedural catheter 222 is inserted through an apical puncture (e.g., a 5F apical puncture) in a ventricular wall at the apex Ap of the heart H. A leader tube 224 is inserted through a lumen (not shown) of the procedural catheter 222 and extended through the left ventricle LV, through a mitral valve gap and into the left atrium LA. A delivery sheath 226 is introduced through a femoral vein puncture and extended through the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, and then through a transseptal puncture of the septum Sp of the heart H, and into the left atrium LA of the heart H. A snare device 228 is movably disposed within the delivery sheath 226 and used to grab or snare a distal end portion of the leader tube 224, as shown in FIG. 1. The snare device 228 can be used to pull the leader tube 224 through the delivery sheath 226 such that the distal end portion of the leader tube 224 extends outside the femoral vein and a proximal end of the leader tube 224 is disposed through the ventricular wall at the apex Ap of the heart H, as shown in FIG. 2. The leader tube 224 allows for back-loading of the prosthetic mitral valve 200 starting in the femoral vein and exiting the heart H at the apex Ap. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the procedural catheter 224 is disposed outside the patient's body, the distal end of the leader tube 224 extends outside the femoral vein and outside the patient's body, and the proximal end of the leader tube 224 extends outside the apex Ap and outside the patient's body. Although the above described snare process describes delivering the leader tube 224 to the left atrium of the heart and then snaring the leader tube 224 using the snare device 228, in alternative embodiments, the leader tube 224 can be delivered to the left ventricle LV and the snare device 228 and delivery sheath 226 can be inserted through the mitral annulus and into the left ventricle LV to grab or snare the leader tube 224 as described above.

After the leader tube 224 has been extended between the apex Ap and the access site to the femoral vein, a valve leader member 234 attached to the prosthetic mitral valve 200 (also referred to as “valve”) can be inserted into the leader tube 224 at the femoral end of the leader tube 224 and extended through the leader tube 224 until the valve leader member 234 exits the leader tube at the apex end of the leader tube 224. After the valve leader member 234 is inserted and extended outside the apex Ap, the leader tube 224 can be removed from the patient. For example, the leader tube 224 can be pulled out through the apex puncture site, or through the femoral vein puncture site. Thus, only the valve leader member 234 remains disposed within the body, as shown in FIG. 3.

The valve leader member 234 can have a tapered distal end 235 to aid in the insertion and maneuvering of the valve leader member 234 through the leader tube 224. The valve leader member 234 is attached at a proximal end portion 237 to a tether line 236 (also referred to herein as “tether”), which is attached to the valve 200. FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged view of the attachment of the proximal end portion 237 to tether 236. The tether 236 can be formed, for example, as a braided rope or cord as shown, for example, in FIG. 26.

As shown in FIG. 3, the valve 200 is partially disposed within a lumen of the delivery sheath 226. Although the delivery sheath 226 is used to deliver both the snare device 228 and the valve 200, in other embodiments, a different delivery sheath can be used to deliver the snare device 228 than is used to deliver the valve 200. As shown in FIG. 3, prior to inserting the valve leader member 234 into the leader tube 224, the procedural catheter 222 can be removed. Alternatively, the procedural catheter 222 can be removed after inserting the valve leader member 234.

Also as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, a portion of the valve 200 is allowed to partially deploy outside a distal end of the delivery sheath 226. The partially deployed portion of the valve 200 can be used as a lead-in to the delivery sheath 226 as the valve 200 is inserted through femoral vein. For example, the valve 200 can be formed with a shape-memory material (as described in more detail below) and can have a biased undeformed shape and can be manipulated and/or deformed (e.g., compressed and/or expanded) and, when released, return to its original undeformed shape. In some embodiments, the valve 200 can have a biased expanded or undeformed configuration when deployed within a heart, and can be moved to a collapsed or deformed configuration when placed within the lumen of the delivery sheath 226 for delivery through the femoral vein. The valve can be, for example, a valve constructed the same as or similar to, and function in the same or similar manner as, the prosthetic heart valve 500, described in detail below.

After the valve leader member 234 has been placed in position between the femoral puncture site and the apical puncture site, as described above, the delivery sheath 226 with the valve 200 can be inserted through the femoral puncture site and moved through the femoral vein, through the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, and then through the septum Sp until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath 226 (with the valve 200) is disposed within the left atrium LA, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the tether 236 extends from the valve 200 through the apical puncture and outside the patient's body. As the delivery sheath 226 is advanced, the tether 236 can optionally be pulled at the apex end to help move the delivery sheath 226, with the valve 200 disposed therein, through the femoral vein, through the septal puncture and into the left atrium LA. The valve 200 can then be fully deployed within the left atrium LA (see, e.g., FIG. 5) by pulling the apex end portion of the tether 236 until the valve 200 is pulled out of the lumen of the delivery sheath 226 and disposed within the left atrium LA. Alternatively, pusher device 238 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) can be inserted within the delivery sheath 226 and used to push the valve 200 outside a distal end of the delivery sheath 226. In yet other embodiments, the pusher device 238 can be used push the valve 200 while the tether 236 is pulled. In other words, the valve 200 can be deployed by pushing the valve 200 with the pusher device 238, by pulling the valve 200 with the tether 236, or both. The pusher 238 can also be used to aid in positioning the valve 200 in a desired radial orientation within the left atrium LA. For example, the pusher device 238 can define an internal lumen (not shown) that can be placed over an inner frame portion of the valve 200 to hold the inner frame portion in a small diameter, which can help enable the valve 200 to be positioned in a desired radial orientation and be seated within the annulus of the mitral valve. Further examples of such a valve assist device are described below with reference to FIGS. 29-31.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as the valve 200 is deployed within the left atrium LA, the valve 200 is allowed to assume its biased expanded or deployed configuration. The delivery sheath 226 can then be removed from the patient and the valve 200 can be positioned and tensioned using the tether 236 to obtain the desired or optimal location in the native mitral annulus and minimize perivalvular leaks. An epicardial pad device 239 can be used to secure the tether 236 and valve 200 in position within the mitral annulus as shown in FIG. 6. For example, an epicardial pad device as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US14/49218 (“the '218 PCT application”), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be used. In some embodiments, an expandable epicardial pad can be used to secure the tether and valve in posiiton. Examples embodiments of expandable pads that can be used are described herein with reference to FIGS. 33-47. Such a pad can be smaller in size such that the pad can be delivered to the heart via a small incision and small catheter or delivery sheath. In some embodiments, a positioning device (not shown) can be used to help position the valve 200 and deploy the epicardial pad device. For example, a positioning device as described in the '218 PCT application incorporated by reference above, or devices described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US14/61046, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by refence in its entirety, can be used. In some embodiments, rather than securing the prosthetic mitral valve with a tether and epicardial pad, the prosthetic mitral valve can be secured with clips or other coupling methods to a portion(s) of the mitral valve apparatus and/or the ventricular wall of the heart. For example, such coupling methods are described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US14/58826 (“the '826 PCT application”), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an embodiment of a prosthetic heart valve that can be delivered and deployed within a left atrium of a heart using a transfemoral delivery approach as described above. FIGS. 7-9 are front, bottom, and top views, respectively, of a prosthetic heart valve 500 according to an embodiment. Prosthetic heart valve 500 (also referred to herein as “valve”) is designed to replace a damaged or diseased native heart valve such as a mitral valve. Valve 500 includes an outer frame assembly 510 and an inner valve assembly 540 coupled to the outer frame assembly 510.

As shown, outer frame assembly 510 includes an outer frame 520, covered on all or a portion of its outer face with an outer covering 530, and covered on all or a portion of its inner face by an inner covering 532. Outer frame 520 can provide several functions for prosthetic heart valve 500, including serving as the primary structure, as an anchoring mechanism and/or an attachment point for a separate anchoring mechanism to anchor the valve to the native heart valve apparatus, a support to carry inner valve assembly 540, and/or a seal to inhibit paravalvular leakage between prosthetic heart valve 500 and the native heart valve apparatus.

Outer frame 520 is configured to be manipulated and/or deformed (e.g., compressed and/or expanded) and, when released, return to its original (undeformed) shape. To achieve this, outer frame 520 can be formed of materials, such as metals or plastics that have shape memory properties. With regards to metals, Nitinol® has been found to be especially useful since it can be processed to be austenitic, martensitic or super elastic. Other shape memory alloys, such as Cu—Zn—Al—Ni alloys, and Cu—Al—Ni alloys, may also be used.

As best shown in FIG. 7, outer frame assembly 510 has an upper end (e.g., at the atrium portion 516), a lower end (e.g., at the ventricle portion 512), and a medial portion (e.g., at the annulus portion 514) therebetween. The medial portion of the outer frame assembly 510 has a perimeter that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped) to fit into an annulus of a native atrioventricular valve. The upper end of the outer frame assembly 510 has a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of the medial portion. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the upper end of the outer frame assembly 510 has a perimeter that is substantially larger than the perimeter of the medial portion. As shown best in FIG. 9, the upper end and the medial portion of the outer frame assembly 510 has a D-shaped cross-section. In this manner, the outer frame assembly 510 promotes a suitable fit into the annulus of the native atrioventricular valve.

Inner valve assembly 540 includes an inner frame 550, an outer covering 560, and leaflets 570. As shown, the inner valve assembly 540 includes an upper portion having a periphery formed with multiple arches. The inner frame 550 includes six axial posts or frame members that support outer covering 560 and leaflets 570. Leaflets 570 are attached along three of the posts, shown as commissure posts 552 (best illustrated in FIG. 8), and outer covering 560 is attached to the other three posts, 554 (best illustrated in FIG. 8), and optionally to commissure posts 552. Each of outer covering 560 and leaflets 570 are formed of approximately rectangular sheets of material, which are joined together at their upper, or atrium end. The lower, ventricle end of outer covering 560 may be joined to inner covering 532 of outer frame assembly 510, and the lower, ventricle end of leaflets 570 may form free edges 575, though coupled to the lower ends of commissure posts 552.

Although inner valve assembly 540 is shown as having three leaflets, in other embodiments, an inner valve assembly can include any suitable number of leaflets. The leaflets 570 are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which the leaflets 570 coapt, or meet in a sealing abutment.

Outer covering 530 of the outer frame assembly 510 and inner covering 532 of outer frame assembly 510, outer covering 560 of the inner valve assembly 540 and leaflets 570 of the inner valve assembly 540 may be formed of any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as those discussed above. In this embodiment, the inner covering 532 of the outer frame assembly 510, the outer covering 560 of the inner valve assembly 540, and the leaflets 570 of the inner valve assembly 540 are formed, at least in part, of porcine pericardium. Moreover, in this embodiment, the outer covering 530 of the outer frame assembly 510 is formed, at least in part, of polyester.

Inner frame 550 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 10-12. Specifically, FIGS. 10-12 show inner frame 550 in an undeformed, initial state (FIG. 10), a side view of the inner frame 550 in a deployed configuration (FIG. 11), and a bottom view of the inner frame 550 in a deployed configuration (FIG. 12), respectively, according to an embodiment.

In this embodiment, inner frame 550 is formed from a laser-cut tube of Nitinol®. Inner frame 550 is illustrated in FIG. 10 in an undeformed, initial state, i.e. as laser-cut, but cut and unrolled into a flat sheet for ease of illustration. Inner frame 550 can be divided into four portions, corresponding to functionally different portions of the inner frame 550 in final form: atrial portion 541, body portion 542, strut portion 543, and tether clamp or connecting portion 544. Strut portion 543 includes six struts, such as strut 543A, which connect body portion 542 to tether clamp portion 544.

Connecting portion 544 includes longitudinal extensions of the struts, connected circumferentially by pairs of opposed, slightly V-shaped connecting members (or “micro-Vs”). Connecting portion 544 is configured to be radially collapsed by application of a compressive force, which causes the micro-Vs to become more deeply V-shaped, with the vertices moving closer together longitudinally and the open ends of the V shapes moving closer together circumferentially. Thus, connecting portion 544 can be configured to compressively clamp or grip one end of a tether, either connecting directly onto a tether line (e.g. braided filament line) or onto an intermediate structure, such as a polymer or metal piece that is in term firmly fixed to the tether line.

In contrast to connecting portion 544, atrial portion 541 and body portion 542 are configured to be expanded radially. Strut portion 543 forms a longitudinal connection, and radial transition, between the expanded body portion and the compressed connecting portion 544.

Body portion 542 includes six longitudinal posts, such as post 542A. The posts can be used to attach leaflets 570 to inner frame 540, and/or can be used to attach inner assembly 540 to outer assembly 510, such as by connecting inner frame 550 to outer frame 520. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts include openings through which connecting members (such as suture filaments and/or wires) can be passed to couple the posts to other structures.

Inner frame 550 is shown in a fully deformed, i.e. the final, deployed configuration, in side view and bottom view in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively.

Outer frame 520 of valve 500 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 13-15. In this embodiment, outer frame 520 is also formed from a laser-cut tube of Nitinol®. Outer frame 520 is illustrated in FIG. 13 in an undeformed, initial state, i.e. as laser-cut, but cut and unrolled into a flat sheet for ease of illustration. Outer frame 520 can be divided into a coupling portion 571, a body portion 572, and a cuff portion 573, as shown in FIG. 13. Coupling portion 571 includes multiple openings or apertures, such as 571A, by which outer frame 520 can be coupled to inner frame 550, as discussed in more detail below.

Outer frame 520 is shown in a fully deformed, i.e. the final, deployed configuration, in side view and top view in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. As best seen in FIG. 15, the lower end of coupling portion 571 forms a roughly circular opening (identified by “O” in FIG. 15). The diameter of this opening preferably corresponds approximately to the diameter of body portion 542 of inner frame 550, to facilitate coupling of the two components of valve 500.

Outer frame 520 and inner frame 550 are shown coupled together in FIGS. 16-18, in front, side, and top views, respectively. The two frames collectively form a structural support for a prosthetic valve such as valve 500. The frames support the valve leaflet structure (e.g., leaflets 570) in the desired relationship to the native valve annulus, support the coverings (e.g., outer covering 530, inner covering 532, outer covering 560) for the two frames to provide a barrier to blood leakage between the atrium and ventricle, and couple to the tether (e.g., tether assembly 590) (by the inner frame 550) to aid in holding the prosthetic valve in place in the native valve annulus by the tether connection to the ventricle wall. The outer frame 520 and the inner frame 550 are connected at six coupling points (representative points are identified as “C”). In this embodiment, the coupling points are implemented with a mechanical fastener, such as a short length of wire, passed through an aperture (such as aperture 571A) in coupling portion 571 of outer frame 520 and corresponding openings in longitudinal posts (such as post 542A) in body portion 542 of inner frame 550. Inner frame 550 is thus disposed within the outer frame 520 and securely coupled to it.

FIGS. 19-25 illustrate a method of reconfiguring a prosthetic heart valve 300 (e.g., prosthetic mitral valve) prior to inserting the prosthetic heart valve 300 into a delivery sheath 326 (see, e.g., FIGS. 21-25) for delivery into the heart via the femoral vein. The prosthetic heart valve 300 (also referred to herein as “valve”) can be constructed the same as or similar to, and function the same as or similar to the valve 500 described above. Thus, some details regarding the valve 300 are not described below. It should be understood that for features and functions not specifically discussed, those features and functions can be the same as or similar to the valve 500.

As shown in FIG. 19, the valve 300 has an outer frame 320 and an inner frame 350. As discussed above for valves 200 and 500, the outer frame 320 and the inner frame 350 of valve 300 can each be formed with a shape-memory material and have a biased expanded or deployed configuration. The outer frame 320 and the inner frame 350 can be moved to a collapsed or undeployed configuration for delivery of the valve 300 to the heart. In this example method of preparing the valve 300 for delivery to the heart, the outer frame 320 of the valve 300 is first disposed in a prolapsed or inverted configuration as shown in FIG. 20. Specifically, the elastic or superelastic structure of outer frame 320 of valve 300 allows the outer frame 320 to be disposed in the prolapsed or inverted configuration prior to the valve 300 being inserted into the lumen of the delivery sheath 326. As shown in FIG. 20, to dispose the outer frame 320 in the inverted configuration, the outer frame 320 is folded or inverted distally such that the outer frame 320 is pointed away from the inner frame 350. In this inverted configuration, the overall outer perimeter or outer diameter of the valve 300 is reduced and the overall length is increased. For example, the diameter D1 shown in FIG. 19 is greater than the diameter D2 shown in FIG. 20, and the length L1 in FIG. 16 is less than the length L2 in FIG. 20. With the outer frame 320 in the inverted configuration, the valve 300 can be placed within a lumen of a delivery sheath 326 as shown in FIG. 21 for delivery of the valve 300 to the left atrium of the heart. By disposing the outer frame 320 in the inverted configuration, the valve 300 can be collapsed into a smaller overall diameter, i.e. placed in a smaller diameter delivery sheath, than would be possible if the valve 300 in the configuration shown in FIG. 19 were collapsed radially. This is because in the configuration shown in FIG. 19, the two frames are concentric, and thus the outer frame 320 must be collapsed around the inner frame 350, whereas in the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the two frames are coaxial but not concentric, such that the outer frame 320 can be collapsed without needing to accommodate the inner frame 350 inside it.

The procedure to deliver the valve 300 to the heart can be the same as or similar to the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. In this embodiment, the valve 300 is not partially deployed outside of the lumen of the delivery sheath 326 prior to being inserted into a femoral puncture, through the femoral vein, through the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, through the septum Sp and into the left atrium LA of the heart. With the distal end portion of the delivery sheath 326 disposed within the left atrium of the heart, the valve 300 can be deployed outside of the delivery sheath 326. For example, although not shown, a tether such as tether 236 described above for valve 200 can be attached to the valve 300 and used to pull the valve 300 out of the lumen of the delivery sheath 326. Alternatively, or in addition to, a pusher device (not shown) can be used to deploy the valve 300. Thus, as described above for valve 200, the valve 300 can be deployed by pushing with the pusher device, pulling with the tether, or both.

As the valve 300 exits the lumen of the delivery sheath 326, the outer frame assembly 310 exits first in its inverted configuration as shown in the progression of FIGS. 22-24. After the outer frame assembly 310 is fully outside of the lumen of the delivery sheath 326, the outer frame 320 can revert to its expanded or deployed configuration as shown in FIG. 25. In some embodiments, the pusher device and/or the tether can be used to aid in the reversion of the outer frame assembly 310. The valve 300 can continue to be deployed until the inner frame 350 is fully deployed with the left atrium and the valve 300 is in the expanded or deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 19).

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate an optional balloon dilator device that can be used during a procedure for transfemoral delivery of a prosthetic heart valve to the heart. FIG. 27 illustrates a valve 400 disposed within a lumen of a delivery sheath 426. The valve 400 can be constructed the same as or similar to, and function the same as or similar to, the valves 200, 500 and 300 described above. For example, the valve 400 can include an outer frame 420 and an inner frame 450 as described above for previous embodiments. A tether 436 can be coupled to the valve 400 and a valve leader member 434 (see FIG. 28) can be coupled to the tether 436.

In this embodiment, to deliver the valve 400, a leader tube (not shown) can be inserted through an apical puncture and extended through the heart and out through a femoral vein access site. A valve leader member 434 coupled to a tether 436 can be inserted through the femoral end of the leader tube and extended out the apical end of the leader tube, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6. The valve 400 can be loaded into the distal end of a lumen of a delivery sheath 426 either before or after the tether 436 and valve leader member 434 are looped through the patient. A balloon dilator device 445 can then be advanced along the valve leader member 434 from the apical end, through the heart, through the femoral vein and out the femoral access site.

The balloon dilator device 445 includes a balloon member 446 that can be disposed at least partially within the distal end portion of the lumen of the delivery device 426, and distal of the valve 400, as shown in FIG. 27. The balloon dilator device 445 also includes an elongate member 447 coupled to the balloon member 446 and that defines an inflation lumen in fluid communication with an interior of the balloon member 446. The elongate member 447 can be coupled to a source of an inflation medium (not shown) configured to supply the inflation medium to the balloon member 446. With the balloon dilator device 445 coupled to the delivery sheath 426 as shown in FIG. 27, the balloon member 446 can be inflated. The delivery sheath 426 can then be inserted through the femoral access site and advanced through the femoral vein, through the inferior vena cava, into the right atrium, through the septum Sp and into the left atrium LA as shown in FIG. 28. The balloon member 446 provides a smooth surface to aid in maneuvering the delivery sheath 426 through the femoral vein and the septum and into the heart. With the distal end portion of the delivery sheath 426 disposed within the left atrium LA, the balloon member 446 can be deflated and removed through the apical access site. The valve 400 can then be deployed and positioned within the mitral annulus as described above for FIGS. 1-6. For example, a pusher device 438 (see FIG. 27) can be used to push the valve 400 out of the lumen of the delivery sheath 426 and/or the tether 436 coupled to the valve 400 can be pulled.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an optional wire assist structure that can be used during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally as described above for previous embodiments. A wire assist structure 649 can be releasably coupled to a valve 600 as shown in FIG. 29. The valve 600 can be constructed the same as or similar to, and function the same as or similar to, the valves described above for previous embodiments. For example, the valve 600 can include an outer frame 620 and an inner frame 650. The wire assist structure 649 can be releasably coupled to the inner frame 650 as best shown in FIG. 30. For example, releasable connectors (not shown) can be used to couple the wire assist structure 649 to the inner frame 650.

In use, the wire assist structure 649 can be movably disposed within a delivery sheath 626 used to deliver the valve 600 to the heart. The wire assist structure 649 can hold the inner frame 650 and allow for positioning control of the valve 600 (i.e., clocking and advancement) while the outer frame 650 of the valve 600 is fully expanded, which allows the valve 600 to be functioning during the positioning phase. When the valve 600 is in the desired final position, the wire assist structure 649 can be released from the inner frame 650 and removed with the delivery sheath 626.

FIG. 31 illustrates another optional assist member that can be used during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally. An assist member 748 can be in the form of a tubular member defining a lumen with a diameter sized to receive at least a portion of the inner frame 750 of a valve 700. The valve 700 can be constructed the same as or similar to, and function the same as or similar to, the valves described above for previous embodiments. For example, the valve 700 can include an outer frame (not shown) and the inner frame 750 as described above for previous embodiments.

In use, the assist member 748 can be movably disposed within a delivery sheath (not shown) used to deliver the valve 700 and be disposed over at least a portion of the inner valve assembly 740. As with the wire assist structure 649, the assist member 748 can hold the inner frame 750 in a small compact configuration and allow for positioning control of the valve 700 (i.e., clocking and advancement) while the outer frame of the valve 700 is being expanded. This can in some cases allow the valve 700 to be functioning (or at least partially functioning) during the positioning phase of the valve 700. With the inner frame 750 held in a compact or small diameter form factor, the valve 700 can be more easily positioned to help seal the annulus with the outer frame (not shown) of the valve 700. When the valve 700 is in the desired final position, the assist member 748 can be removed.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method of deploying a prosthetic mitral valve to a heart using a transfemoral delivery approach. The method includes at 880, inserting a leader tube through an access site on the skin of the patient, through an access puncture site on the apex of the heart, and positioning a distal end portion of the leader tube in the left atrium of the heart. At 881, inserting a delivery sheath with a snare device coupled thereto through an access site into the femoral vein and into the left atrium of the heart. At 882, the leader tube is captured with the snare device, and pulled through the femoral vein such that the leader tube extends between the apex of the heart and the entry to the femoral vein. At 883, an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve is disposed in an inverted configuration when the mitral valve is in a biased expanded configuration. For example, the prosthetic mitral valve can be formed with a shape-memory material and have a biased expanded configuration.

At 884, after inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The delivery sheath can be the same delivery sheath as used with the snare device or a different delivery sheath. At 885, a valve leader member is inserted to the leader tube at the femoral end of the leader tube, and moved through the leader tube until the valve leader member exits the leader tube outside of the apex of the heart. A proximal end of the valve leader member is coupled to a tether line that in turn is coupled to the prosthetic mitral valve and disposed within the delivery sheath. At 886, the delivery sheath is inserted into the femoral vein and moved through the femoral vein and through a septum of a heart until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath is disposed in the left atrium of the heart. At 887, the prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame of the prosthetic mitral valve reverts, and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. At 888, the prosthetic mitral valve is positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart and optionally an epicardial pad device can be secured to the apex of the heart to maintain the prosthetic mitral valve in the desired position (e.g., orientation) within the mitral annulus. In some embodiments, rather than securing the prosthetic mitral valve with a tether and epicardial pad, the prosthetic mitral valve can be secured with clips or other coupling methods to a portion(s) of the ventricular wall of the heart.

FIGS. 33-37 illustrate an embodiment of an expandable epicardial pad device that can be used to secure a tether attached to a prosthetic mitral valve to the heart, for example, at the apex of the heart. An epicardial pad device 939 (also referred to herein as “epicardial pad” or “pad”) can be used, for example, during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally as described herein. The epicardial pad 939 can be formed with a small profile such that the epicardial pad 939 can be delivered to the exterior of the heart via a small incision and a small diameter delivery catheter or sheath 963 (see FIGS. 33 and 34). In some embodiments, the delivery sheath 963 can have a diameter, for example, in the range of 3-5 mm An inner delivery sheath 964 can be movably disposed within a lumen of the delivery sheath 963 and used to hold the tether 936 while the epicardial pad 939 is being deployed as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 the epicardial pad 939 includes a frame member 961 and a fabric cover 962. The frame member 961 can be formed with, for example a shape-memory material such as Nitinol® such that the epicardial pad 939 can have a biased expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, and can be moved to a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 33. For example, as shown in FIG. 33 the epicardial pad 939 can be placed within a lumen of the delivery sheath 963 to move the epicardial pad 939 to the collapsed configuration. The fabric cover 962 can be formed with various suitable material(s) such as, for example, polyester, polyethylene or ePTFE.

In use, after a prosthetic mitral valve has been deployed within the heart H via a transfemoral delivery approach as described herein, the tether 936 attached the prosthetic valve (not shown) can extend outside the apex of the heart. The epicardial pad 939 can be used to secure the tether 936 and prosthetic valve in a desired position. With the tether 936 extending outside of the heart, the tether 936 can be threaded through a center opening of the epicardial pad 939 and through a lumen of the inner delivery sheath 964, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The outer delivery sheath 963 can be laced over the inner delivery sheath 964 and the epicardial pad 939 to collapse the epicardial pad 939 as shown in FIG. 33. As described above, the outer delivery sheath 964 can have a relatively small outer diameter such that it can be inserted through a small incision in the skin of the patient. When the distal end of the delivery sheath 963 is at a desired location near the apex of the heart, the epicardial pad 939 can be moved outside of the delivery sheath 963 such that the epicardial pad 939 can assume its biased expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36. For example, to move the epicardial pad 939 outside of the lumen of the delivery sheath 963, the delivery sheath 963 can be moved proximally, such that the deliver sheath 963 is removed from epicardial pad 939. Alternatively, the epicardial pad 939 can be moved distally outside of the lumen of the delivery sheath 963. For example, a push rod (not shown) can be used, or the inner delivery sheath 964 in which the tether 936 is disposed can be used to move or push the epicardial pad 939 out of the delivery sheath 963.

Prior to moving the expanded epicardial pad 939 into position on the apex of the heart, conventional purse string sutures 965 at the incision through which the tether 936 extends out of the heart at the apex of the heart can be closed. The epicardial pad 939, in the expanded configuration, can then be positioned on the apex of the heart. In this embodiment, the epicardial pad 939 includes an integral locking mechanism 966 as shown in FIGS. 37-39. The locking mechanism can be formed integrally with the frame member 961 and can include barbs 967. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the tether 936 can be inserted through a lumen of the inner delivery sheath 964 such that the delivery sheath 964 can prevent the barbs 967 form contacting the tether 936. For example, the tether 936 can be threaded into the inner delivery sheath 964 prior to the inner delivery sheath 964 and tether 936 being inserted through the center opening of the epicardial pad 939. Thus, the inner delivery sheath 964 can protect the tether 936 from the barbs 967 of the locking mechanism 966 during deployment of the epicardial pad 939. When the epicardial pad 939 is deployed at the desired position on the heart, the inner delivery sheath 964 can be removed uncovering the tether 936 and allowing the barbs 967 to engage or pierce the tether 936 as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. The barbs 968 can hold or lock the tether 936 and epicardial pad 939 in the desired positon. The barbs 968 can be oriented at various different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the epicardial pad 939, such as, for example, between 45-120 degrees.

In alternative embodiments, other methods of securing the epicardial pad 939 to the heart can be used. For example, in an embodiment in which the epicardial pad 939 does not include an integrated locking mechanism as described above, the distal end portion of the tether 936 can be tied or another securing device such as a clip or locking pin can be used.

FIGS. 40-42 illustrate another embodiment of an expandable epicardial pad device that can be used to secure a tether attached to a prosthetic mitral valve to the heart, for example, at the apex of the heart. An epicardial pad device 1039 (also referred to herein as “epicardial pad” or “pad”) can be used, for example, during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally as described herein. The epicardial pad 1039 can be formed with a small profile such that the epicardial pad 1039 can be delivered to the exterior of the heart via a small incision and a small diameter delivery catheter or sheath (not shown) as described above for epicardial pad 939.

As shown in FIGS. 40-42, the epicardial pad 1039 includes a frame member 1061 and a fabric cover 1062. In this embodiment, the frame member 1061 includes a first frame portion 1068 and a second frame portion 1069. As with the previous embodiment, the frame member 1061 can be formed with, for example a shape-memory material such as Nitinol®, such that the epicardial pad 1039 can have a biased expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, and can be moved to a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 40. For example, although not shown for this embodiment, the epicardial pad 1039 can be placed within a lumen of a delivery sheath to collapse or move the epicardial pad 1039 to the collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the second frame portion 1069 expands within an interior region defined by the first frame portion 1068 as best shown in FIG. 41. In other words, the second frame portion 1069 and the first frame portion 1068 form a double-layer flower-like shape. The fabric cover 1062 can be formed with, for example, various suitable material(s) such as, for example, polyester, polyethylene or ePTFE, as described above for fabric cover 962.

In use, after a prosthetic mitral valve has been deployed within the heart H (FIG. 42), for example, via a transfemoral delivery approach as described herein, the tether 1036 attached the prosthetic valve (not shown) can extend outside the apex of the heart. The epicardial pad 1039 can be used to secure the tether 1036 and prosthetic valve in a desired position. With the tether 1036 extending outside of the heart, the tether 1036 can be threaded through a lumen of an inner delivery sheath, such as inner delivery sheath 964 described above, and through a center opening of the epicardial pad 1039. An outer delivery sheath (not shown) can be placed over the inner delivery sheath such that the epicardial pad 1039 to collapse the epicardial pad 1039. As described above, the outer delivery sheath can have a relatively small outer diameter such that it can be inserted through a small incision in the skin of the patient. When the distal end of the delivery sheath is at a desired location near the apex of the heart, the epicardial pad 1039 can be moved outside of the delivery sheath 963 such that the epicardial pad 1039 can assume its biased expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 as described above for epicardial pad 939.

Prior to moving the expanded epicardial pad 1039 into position on the apex of the heart, conventional purse string sutures 1065 at the incision through which the tether 1036 extends out of the heart at the apex of the heart can be closed. The epicardial pad 1039, in the expanded configuration, can then be positioned on the apex of the heart. The epicardial pad 1039 can include an integral locking mechanism, similar to or the same as locking mechanism 966 described above to secure or lock the tether 1036 and epicardial pad 1039 in position on the heart. In alternative embodiments, other methods of securing the epicardial pad 1039 to the heart can be used. For example, as described above, the distal end portion of the tether 1036 can be tied or another securing device such as a clip or locking pin can be used.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate an expandable epicardial pad device 1139 according to another embodiment. The epicardial pad device 1139 can be used in the same or similar manner as described for previous embodiments to secure a tether attached to a prosthetic mitral valve to the heart, for example, at the apex of the heart. The epicardial pad device 1139 (also referred to herein as “epicardial pad” or “pad”) can be used, for example, during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally as described herein. In this embodiment, the epicardial pad device 1139 includes a balloon member 1155. The balloon member 1155 can be small in size such that the balloon member 1155 can be delivered to the exterior of the heart via a small incision and a small diameter delivery catheter or sheath (not shown) as described above for previous embodiments.

The balloon member 1155 can define an inner lumen through which the tether 1136 can be inserted. The epicardial pad 1139 can also include an inflation lumen through which an inflation medium can be communicated to and from the balloon member 1155. For example, the inflation lumen (not shown) can be defined by the balloon member 1155 or by a separate inflation line (not shown) in fluid communication with an interior of the balloon member 1155.

In use, after a prosthetic mitral valve has been deployed within the heart H (FIG. 42), for example, via a transfemoral delivery approach as described herein, the tether 1136 attached the prosthetic valve (not shown) can extend outside the apex of the heart. With the tether 1136 extending outside of the heart, the tether 1136 can be threaded or inserted through the lumen of the balloon member 1155 as described above. The balloon member 1155 can be inflated or deflated when the tether 1136 is inserted into the balloon lumen. The balloon member 1155 can be collapsed or deflated (not shown) and then placed within a lumen of a delivery sheath (not shown). The delivery sheath can be inserted through a small incision in the skin of the patient and a distal end of the delivery sheath disposed at a desired location near the apex of the heart, The epicardial pad 1139 (i.e., balloon member 1155) can be moved outside of the delivery sheath and then can be inflated as shown in FIG. 43.

Purse string sutures 1165 at the incision through which the tether 1136 extends out of the heart at the apex of the heart can be closed prior to positioning the epicardial pad 1139 on the apex. Prior to positioning the balloon member 1155 on the apex of the heart, the balloon member 1155 can be partially deflated or fully deflated. The balloon member 1155 is then moved distally into contact with the heart where it can collapse inwardly upon itself to form a cup shape as the balloon member 1155 is pushed against the heart, as shown in FIG. 44. The epicardial pad 1139 and tether 1136 can be secured in the desired position with, for example, clip(s) or a locking pin(s) or by tying the tether 1136. In some embodiments, the balloon member 1155 is secured by adhesively coupling the balloon member 1155 to the tether 1136 such that the balloon member 1155 is prevented from moving relative to the tether 1136. In some embodiments, the balloon member 1155 can be adhesively coupled to the tether 1136 and also adhesively coupled to the heart. In some embodiments, the balloon member 1155 is fully deflated and can be filled with an adhesive or a cement material to add strength and rigidity to the balloon member 1155.

FIGS. 45-47 illustrate yet another embodiment of an epicardial pad device that can be used to secure a tether attached to a prosthetic mitral valve to the heart, for example, at the apex of the heart. The epicardial pad device 1239 (also referred to herein as “epicardial pad” or “pad”) can be used, for example, during a procedure to deliver a prosthetic heart valve transfemorally as described herein. In this embodiment, the epicardial pad device 1239 includes multiple stackable pad members 1273 that can be sized such that each stackable pad member 1273 can be delivered separately to the exterior of the heart via a small incision and a small diameter delivery catheter or sheath (not shown). When all of the stackable pad members 1273 are implanted and attached to the heart, the stackable pad members 1273 can define a total surface area of, for example, 2 cm. The stackable pad members 1273 can be formed with, for example, suitable polymer or metal materials such as, for example, PEEK plastic, or stainless steel such as, for example, MP35N stainless steel.

In use, after a prosthetic mitral valve has been deployed within the heart H, for example, via a transfemoral delivery approach as described herein, the tether 1236 attached the prosthetic valve (not shown) can extend outside the apex of the heart. With the tether 1236 extending outside of the heart, a first stackable pad member 1273 can be slid onto the tether 1236. For example, the stacking members 1273 can define a through-hole in which the tether 1236 can be received. The first stackable pad member 1273 can be slid or moved distally along the tether 1236 until it contacts the surface of the heart H as shown in FIG. 45. A second stackable pad member 1273 can then be slid distally along the tether 1236 until it contacts the first stackable pad member 1273 and then a third stackable pad member 1273 can be slid distally along the tether 1236 until it contacts the second stackable pad member 1273 as shown in FIG. 45. Each stackable pad member 1273 can be oriented at a different angle relative to the tether 1236 as shown in FIG. 47. Using three separate stackable pad members 1273 in this manner can distribute the forces against the surface of the heart more evenly than a single stackable pad member 1273. After the three stackable pad members 1273 have been positioned against the heart, a locking pin 1274 can be inserted laterally through the tether 1236 to secure the stackable pad members 1273 against the surface of the heart. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to insert a locking pin after each stackable pad member 1273 has been positioned.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above

Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components, and/or features of the different embodiments described. 

1. (canceled)
 2. A method, comprising: inserting a prosthetic mitral valve into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is in a collapsed condition, the prosthetic valve having a tether coupled thereto; inserting the delivery sheath through an entry site of a femoral vein of a patient and moving the delivery sheath through the femoral vein and through a septum of a heart of the patient until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath is disposed in a left atrium of a heart of the patient; moving the prosthetic mitral valve distally out of the delivery sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is moved to an expanded condition; positioning the prosthetic mitral valve within a mitral annulus of the heart; coupling an epicardial pad device to the tether; and securing the epicardial pad device to an apex of the heart, wherein during the positioning of the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, a wire assist structure is releasably coupled to a frame of the prosthetic mitral valve.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wire assist structure is releasably coupled to an inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve during the positioning of the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral valve annulus of the heart.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein during the positioning of the prosthetic heart valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, an outer frame of the prosthetic mitral valve is in an expanded state while the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve is in a collapsed state.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the prosthetic mitral valve is capable of functioning during positioning the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, prior to fully releasing the prosthetic mitral valve from the delivery sheath.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising advancing the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve through the delivery sheath using the wire assist structure while the outer frame is in the expanded state.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising rotating the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve using the wire assist structure while the inner frame is within the delivery sheath and the outer frame is in the expanded state.
 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising releasing the wire assist structure form the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve after positioning the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral annulus of the heart.
 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising: prior to inserting the delivery sheath, inserting a leader tube through an access site at an apex of the heart and positioning a distal end portion of the leader tube in the left atrium of the heart; inserting a snare device into the femoral vein and into the left atrium of the heart; capturing the leader tube with the snare device; and pulling the snare device and leader tube out of the femoral vein such that the leader tube extends between the apex of the heart and the entry to the femoral vein.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: inserting a valve leader member into the leader tube and moving the valve leader member through the leader tube until the valve leader member exits the leader tube outside of the apex of the heart, a proximal end of the valve leader member being coupled to a tether line coupled to the prosthetic mitral valve and disposed within the delivery sheath.
 11. The method of claim 5, further comprising: prior to inserting the delivery sheath, inserting a leader tube through an apex of the heart and positioning a distal end portion of the leader tube in the left ventricle of the heart; inserting a snare device into the femoral vein and into the left ventricle of the heart; capturing the leader tube with the snare device; and pulling the snare device and leader tube out of the entry site of the femoral vein such that the leader tube extends between the access site at the apex of the heart and the entry site to the femoral vein.
 12. A method, comprising: inserting a prosthetic mitral valve into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is in a collapsed condition, the prosthetic valve having a tether coupled thereto; inserting the delivery sheath through an entry site of a femoral vein of a patient and moving the delivery sheath through the femoral vein and through a septum of a heart of the patient until a distal end portion of the delivery sheath is disposed in a left atrium of a heart of the patient; moving the prosthetic mitral valve distally out of the delivery sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is moved to an expanded condition; positioning the prosthetic mitral valve within a mitral annulus of the heart; coupling an epicardial pad device to the tether; and securing the epicardial pad device to an apex of the heart, wherein during the positioning of the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, an assist member is movably disposed within the delivery sheath and is disposed over a portion of an inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the assist member is a tubular member defining a lumen having a diameter sized to receive at least a portion of the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein during the positioning of the prosthetic heart valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, an outer frame of the prosthetic mitral valve is in at least a partially expanded state while the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve is in a collapsed state.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the prosthetic mitral valve is capable of at least partially functioning during positioning the prosthetic mitral valve within the mitral annulus of the heart, prior to fully releasing the prosthetic mitral valve from the delivery sheath.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising advancing the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve through the delivery sheath using the assist member while the outer frame is in at least the partially expanded state.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the inner frame of the prosthetic mitral valve using the assist member while the inner frame is within the delivery sheath and the outer frame is in at least the partially expanded state.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising fully releasing the inner frame from the assist member.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: prior to inserting the delivery sheath, inserting a leader tube through an access site at an apex of the heart and positioning a distal end portion of the leader tube in the left atrium of the heart; inserting a snare device into the femoral vein and into the left atrium of the heart; capturing the leader tube with the snare device; and pulling the snare device and leader tube out of the femoral vein such that the leader tube extends between the apex of the heart and the entry to the femoral vein.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: inserting a valve leader member into the leader tube and moving the valve leader member through the leader tube until the valve leader member exits the leader tube outside of the apex of the heart, a proximal end of the valve leader member being coupled to a tether line coupled to the prosthetic mitral valve and disposed within the delivery sheath.
 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising: prior to inserting the delivery sheath, inserting a leader tube through an apex of the heart and positioning a distal end portion of the leader tube in the left ventricle of the heart; inserting a snare device into the femoral vein and into the left ventricle of the heart; capturing the leader tube with the snare device; and pulling the snare device and leader tube out of the entry site of the femoral vein such that the leader tube extends between the access site at the apex of the heart and the entry site to the femoral vein. 